Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Pre-requisite courses are: • HLTAH301A Assist with an allied health program • HLTAH410A Support the development of speech and communication skills

Course Description

This course describes the skills and knowledge required to assist a speech pathologist to support clients participating in therapy programs to improve swallowing and/or maintain independence in the management of dysphagia.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTAH411A Provide support in dysphagia management

Element:

Deliver therapeutic program under supervision of a speech pathologist

Performance Criteria:

Obtain informed consent from the individual client, or a third party where the individual is not in a position to provide this consent independently, before commencing the programConfirm client/carer’s understanding of requirements of the therapeutic programProvide mealtime assistance to client, under instruction of speech pathologist, including the reinforcement of positioning and strategies to support safe swallowing and maximum level of independence of eating and drinkingPrepare texture modified foods and fluids, as determined by speech pathologist, for assessment purposes and for mealtimes for purposes of checking correctness of modified foods and fluidsProvide the client with relevant information and advice, as instructed by the speech pathologist, at a level and pace appropriate to the client’s level of understanding, culture and background, preferred way of communication and needRefer questions outside scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation to speech pathologist and/or relevant member of care teamProvide client with sufficient time, opportunity and encouragement to practise existing and newly developed skillsProvide set up and support of the client during videofloroscopy assessment of swallowing, performed by speech pathologistCarry out supplementary treatment programs (e.g. oro-motor exercises), as instructed by the speech pathologistIdentify adverse reactions/events associated with dysphagia and respond according to the detailed risk management framework

Element:

Document client information

Performance Criteria:

Use accepted protocols to document information relating to the treatment program in line with organisation requirementsProvide accurate and prompt feedback to the speech pathologist and client’s care team to support future planningUse appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems related to the therapeutic exercise program

Element:

Monitor client’s management of dysphagia in consultation with speech pathologist and care team

Performance Criteria:

Work with the speech pathologist, care team and the individual to identify and record areas of positive progress and success and specific difficulties arisingReinforce constructive feedback and advice provided by the care team about the client’s approach and ability to manage their dysphagiaSupport and encourage client to maintain and enhance their efforts to manage dysphagiaReinforce the benefits of continuing to practice and develop skills and knowledge for dysphagia managementIdentify adverse reactions/events associated with dysphagia and respond according to the detailed risk management frameworkRefer to speech pathologist when additional input from health professional is required

Element:

Prepare for support of treatment and monitoring programs to promote safe swallowing and eating

Performance Criteria:

Obtain information about requirements from the speech pathologistDetermine need for interpreter where the client has English as a second languageConfer with speech pathologist about any ambiguities or requirements outside scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation

The details of the class schedule on weekly basis is available on the time table that has been provided to students and is also available on RMIT Learning hub.

Teaching Schedule

There will be face to face teaching and practical activities for this course and the details of the class date and time will be in the timetable provided to the students. Timetable can also be accessed online in the learning hub.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There is no prescribed text for this course as comprehensive course material will be provided by the teacher through RMIT Learning Hub.

The students can access library for more resources like-• Videos• Articles of interest• useful external links• Learning Lab

Overview of Assessment

The assessment will involve practical assessment in simulated environment and observation in the clinical placements with questioning to address appropriate application of knowledge.

Assessment Tasks

The assessment tasks will include a range of activities and assessments to assess the student for the learning outcomes for the course.The assessment tasks will include-Written assessmentPractical assessmentClinical placement assessment

The details of the assessments will be provided to the students by the teacher through the RMIT Learning Hub.

Assessment Matrix

Other Information

This course will be delivered and assessed with-

OHTH 5119C- Support the development of speech and communication skills